Alex Ovechkin has established an NHL record by scoring on 188 different goaltenders over his 21-season career, adding four new netminders to that total this season. Despite this impressive tally, a select few goalies remain unbeaten by Ovechkin, with Vegas Golden Knights’ Akira Schmid standing out as one of the most notable exceptions.
In a recent game on Friday night, Schmid faced Ovechkin for the fifth time in his NHL career during a 3-2 defeat to the Washington Capitals. Despite Ovechkin firing three shots his way, Schmid managed to stop them all, bringing his career total to 11 saves against Ovechkin without conceding a goal.
Schmid’s Unique Place Among Goalies Unbeaten by Ovechkin
Originating from Switzerland, Schmid is among just 28 goalkeepers who have never allowed a goal to Ovechkin, even as the Capitals star surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record last season. This achievement earned Schmid inclusion as one of Budweiser’s “Kings of Zero,” a distinction commemorated with a special beer can last April.
Akira Schmid has still never given up a goal to Alexander Ovechkin. pic.twitter.com/TCo29JNh3P
— SinBin.vegas 🇺🇸🥇 (@SinBinVegas) February 28, 2026
With 11 saves on Ovechkin shots, Schmid ties for sixth place among goalies who have reached double-digit saves without being scored on by the scoring champion. Only 11 goalies have achieved this rare feat during Ovechkin’s lengthy career, making it a remarkable benchmark of resistance.
Other Goaltenders Who Have Remained Unscored Upon by Ovechkin
While Montreal’s Jakub Dobes was originally among those unbeaten, he has since been scored on by Ovechkin. This season, five goalies joined the list: Arturs Silovs of Pittsburgh, Jonas Johansson from Tampa Bay, Brandon Bussi with Carolina, Devin Cooley for Calgary, and Dennis Hildeby of Toronto.
In addition to Schmid, several goalies have improved their totals against Ovechkin this season. Joel Hofer made one save in relief for St. Louis Blues on November 5—the same night Ovechkin scored his 900th career goal. Lukas Dostal added one save for Anaheim Ducks on January 5, and Kevin Lankinen contributed two saves for the Vancouver Canucks on January 21.
Ranking Active Goalies by Saves Against Ovechkin Without Allowing Goals
Among active goaltenders maintaining this record, Kevin Lankinen stands second with 16 saves, trailing only former Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek who leads with 19 saves. Akira Schmid holds the fourth spot, behind Vanecek, Lankinen, and Seattle’s Joey Daccord, who has 14 saves in this category. These numbers highlight the difficulty even the best offensive player faces in breaking through certain goalies’ defenses.
The ongoing challenge between these goaltenders and Ovechkin continues to be a compelling subplot in the NHL, reflecting the persistence and skill of both the shooter and the netminders. As Ovechkin’s remarkable career progresses, watching whether these goalies will eventually yield remains a point of interest for fans and analysts alike.
Akira Schmid has still never given up a goal to Alexander Ovechkin. pic.twitter.com/TCo29JNh3P
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 28, 2026
